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Documenting laryngeal change following prolonged loud reading. A videostroboscopic study
M P Gelfer1, M L Andrews, C P Schmidt
1Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53201, USA.
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of the Voice Foundation
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Prolonged loud reading did not significantly alter the larynx in trained singers or untrained individuals. Most subjects showed minimal changes after the reading task, suggesting it is insufficient to cause notable laryngeal alterations.
Area of Science:
- Vocal fold physiology
- Laryngeal function
- Speech and voice science
Background:
- Prolonged voice use, such as loud reading, may impact laryngeal structures.
- Understanding the effects on trained versus untrained voices is crucial for vocal health.
- Previous research has explored vocal fatigue but less on specific reading tasks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a 1-hour loud reading task on the laryngeal appearance and vibratory characteristics.
- To compare the effects between trained singers and untrained individuals.
- To determine if the task induces significant laryngeal alterations.
Main Methods:
- Videostroboscopic examination before and after a 1-hour loud reading task.
- Inclusion of 16 young women: 8 trained singers and 8 untrained individuals.
- Blind evaluation of laryngeal videostroboscopic samples by three experienced judges.
Main Results:
- Untrained subjects exhibited a small, significant increase in vocal fold excursion amplitude post-reading.
- No significant changes in laryngeal appearance or vibration were observed in the trained singer group.
- Individual analysis revealed minimal changes for most participants across both groups.
Conclusions:
- A 1-hour loud reading task is insufficient to induce substantial laryngeal alterations.
- Trained singers appear more resilient to the effects of this specific vocal task compared to untrained individuals.
- Further research may explore longer durations or different vocal tasks to identify potential laryngeal impacts.